Theme Of Heroism In Antigone

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Sophocles wrote the first play about an intrepid heroine in Antigone. In the opening of the play, Antigone risked her life to give her brother, Polyneices, the burial he deserved. To fulfill her goal she had to confront her uncle and monarch Creon, who refused to bury a traitor. Creon warned the public that “no man is to touch him or say the least prayer” for Polyneices or they would be punished. Antigone refused to yield to Creon’s demands and followed her instincts. Antigone made up her mind to “bury him; and if I must die, I say this crime is holly.” She did not let an unjust ruler stopper her brother from receiving reverence. Antigone’s act of heroism was shown through her bravery, strength, and eventually the punishment that Creon received. Antigone’s gallantry portrayed Creon as a selfish…show more content…
Appearing to be very angry that a woman dared to defy his wishes, Creon boldly declares that “When I am alive no woman shall rule.” The issue of Antigone being condemned to die becomes more than just a person who disobeys Creon; instead, the punishment is given even more eagerly because it is a woman who disobeys a man. Creon does not respect Antigone because she is a woman. Haimon, Creon’s last son hated his father for killing his future bride. After failing to convince his father to forgive Antigone, Haimon visited the cell where she was poisoned. Since Haimon could not stand dealing with his lover’s death he “drew his sword” and killed himself. Creon was overwhelmed to see that his son had fallen in love with a traitor. Furthermore, Creon’s wife Eurydice felt devastated after her son’s death. When Eurydice heard the cause of Haimon’s death, she went to her room and her “heart welcomed the knife her own hand guided.” The death of Creon’s most valuable possession was caused by his ignorance and hubris. Creon had to suffer for the rest of his life knowing that he was the only one responsible for their

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